At least nine people lost their lives on Wednesday after the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, causing several vehicles to plunge into the Mahisagar River, according to Indian media reports.

According to NDTV, the bridge, which connects Anand and Vadodara districts, suddenly gave way, causing six vehicles including two trucks and a pickup van to fall into the river below. Eyewitnesses said they heard loud cracking sounds moments before the collapse.

Rescue teams comprising fire brigade personnel, police, district officials, and local residents rushed to the scene. Authorities have so far rescued at least five people as search operations continue for any remaining survivors.

A resident told reporters the bridge had long been neglected despite warnings over its poor condition, adding it had also gained notoriety as a suicide spot.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, announcing financial assistance of INR200,000 for the families of each victim and INR50,000 for those injured.

“The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” read a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Gujarat’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said the cause of the collapse remains unclear and will be investigated.

Bridge collapses are not rare in India; The Economic Times, citing a government release, reported that 42 major and minor bridges failed between 2019 and 2024, with 21 collapses occurring on National Highways alone over the past three years.